Lead Operational Acceptance Testing (OAT) Tester

The Lead Operational Acceptance Testing (OAT) Tester is responsible for leading and executing operational readiness testing to ensure systems are fully production-ready before go-live.

You will own the OAT strategy, manage test execution, produce operational evidence, and provide assurance that services are stable, resilient, monitored, and supportable. This role involves close collaboration with delivery, infrastructure, DevOps, and support teams, as well as mentoring junior testers.

Key Responsibilities

OAT Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the planning and execution of Operational Acceptance Testing activities
• Define OAT scope, approach, and entry/exit criteria
• Ensure alignment with release and deployment timelines
• Act as the OAT point of contact for stakeholders
• OAT Test Execution

Lead and oversee operational test coverage, including:

• Monitoring and alert validation
• Alert simulation and escalation testing
• Backup and restore testing
• Failover and disaster recovery execution
• Batch job restart validation
• Stability and soak testing
• Access, security, and support readiness checks

Evidence, Risk & Defect Management

• Ensure detailed and auditable operational test evidence is produced
• Log, prioritise, and track operational defects and risks
• Coordinate retesting and validate fixes
• Maintain OAT artefacts, reports, and audit documentation

Collaboration & Governance

• Work closely with infrastructure, DevOps, and support teams to validate operational readiness
• Lead OAT walkthroughs, reviews, and sign-off sessions
• Support release, go-live, and milestone readiness reviews
• Provide operational assurance to programme and delivery leadership

Team Leadership

• Mentor and support QA/OAT team members
• Review test artefacts produced by junior testers
• Promote best practices and continuous improvement within OAT

• 6-9 years of QA/Testing experience
• Strong hands-on experience in Operational Acceptance Testing (OAT)
• Prior experience leading OAT activities or teams
• Experience across SIT and UAT with a strong operational focus
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience working in regulated or controlled environments
• Strong understanding of production readiness and live support models

Nice to Have

• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS and/or Azure)
• Exposure to monitoring, logging, and alerting tools
• Understanding of incident, problem, and change management processes
• Experience working in Agile delivery environments

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Scrumconnect Consulting is a UK-based digital transformation consultancy delivering secure, scalable, and user-centred solutions across government and enterprise organisations. We specialise in agile delivery, cloud platforms, data, and modern engineering practices-helping clients build reliable services that meet high operational and compliance standards., At Scrumconnect Consulting, we believe diversity drives innovation. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and supported. We actively encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, individuals from under-represented communities, and those seeking flexible working arrangements. As a Disability Confident Level 1 employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and employment to ensure equal opportunity for all.